• Paweł Żuchowski, Marta Dura, Daniel Jeka, and Marzena Waszczak-Jeka.
• Clinic of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Jan Biziel University Hospital No 2, CM UMK in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz 85-168, Poland.
• Mil Med. 2023 Nov 3; 188 (11-12): e3547e3552e3547-e3552.

IntroductionSome of the obstacle Course Race (OCR) competitions are co-organized by military units that are seeking candidates for service in special operations forces (SOFs). The aim of the study was to compare psycho-physical characteristics between Polish OCR athletes and SOF soldiers, in order to assess the possibility of recruiting future SOF soldiers from the OCR community.Materials And MethodsThe study included 23 OCR competitors, and 17 soldiers from JW Formoza were used as the comparative group. The psychological measure of resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Participants also completed a survey in which they had to rank character strengths. Physical fitness was assessed on the basis of a 3000-m run and the maximum number of sit-ups and straight pull-ups.ResultsThere were significant differences between OCR participants and JW Formoza soldiers: body mass index, 24.1 ± 1.5 vs. 25.9 ± 1.9 (P = .002); 3000-m run, 11:59 ± 0:49 vs. 12:11 ± 0:28 (P = .024); and straight pull-ups, 19 ± 3 vs. 15 ± 3 (P = .001). The most commonly chosen character strengths in both groups were self-control, team worker, and optimism.ConclusionsOCR competitors show psychophysical characteristics similar to those expected from actual SOF personnel.© The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2023. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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